My Take on WONDERBOX: The Perfect Gift Solution? [2024]

Sometimes you need to give a gift to someone, but inspiration just doesn't strike. In such cases, ready-to-use gift boxes can be an excellent alternative.

I had the opportunity to give a Wonderbox gift set to my partner six months ago, so he could choose a getaway for us to enjoy together. In the following lines, I'll share my honest feedback on this experience!

What is Wonderbox?

👍 I loved it

• The very many options for gifts,
• The idea of giving beautiful memories rather than a physical object,
• The experience shared through the gift box,
• The ease of making reservations,
• Free delivery to a collection point near me,
• Affordable prices for future gifts,
• The option to exchange or extend if needed.

❌ What Could Be Improved

• It's important to allow time to choose your stay or activity,
• You must inform the service provider that you are paying with a Wonderbox.
• The box can only be extended once.

Source: Facebook (@wonderbox.fr)

How does a Wonderbox work?

Wonderbox is a gift box system that works somewhat like the old "Good for..." vouchers we used to give. The recipient receives a themed box of a certain value, which corresponds to an experience to enjoy from a selection provided. It's up to the person receiving the gift to choose and book using the catalogue included in the box.

What are the different options for Wonderbox gift boxes?

Wonderbox offers 4 different options. You can choose the one that best suits what you're looking for.

🔸 The Gift Box

This is the classic Wonderbox, which you might sometimes see in supermarkets or large cultural retail stores. This gift box comes in a black and gold packaging and includes:

• A small catalogue showcasing the available services,
• A gift voucher that matches them.

👉 This option is perfect for you if:

• You want to present your gift with a beautiful wrapping,
• You would like the recipient to be able to directly view the list of activities in a booklet.

Wonderbox "Weekend for Two" at R1,200.00

Source: Wonderbox.co.za

🔸 The e-gift box

This is a digital version of the gift box described in the previous lines. This gift box is sent via email to the purchaser or their recipient, in PDF format, within 15 minutes of the purchase.

👉 This solution will suit you if:

• You want to make a last-minute gift,
• You won’t be meeting the gift recipient in person,
• You want to surprise someone on a specific day (for example, their birthday).

🔸 Customised Box

This is a fully customisable gift box that you can create yourself on the Wonderbox website. You can select the activities of your choice, add a personal message, and even customise the packaging.

👉 This wonder box is perfect for you if:

• You don't want to give a generic gift,
• You're looking to create a special surprise for a particular occasion,
• You want a gift that can be either packaged or sent via email,
• You already have a small idea of what activities you would like to offer to the recipient of your Wonderbox.

🔸 The Perfect Gift of Freedom

This last option corresponds to a gift voucher valid for the 140,000 activities offered by Wonderbox. It represents an amount between R500 and R1000 that can be credited towards the activity chosen by the recipient.

Wonderbox Freedom Gift Voucher - From R30

Source: Wonderbox.co.za

👉 This option will be perfect for you if:

• You want to allow the person receiving the gift the freedom to choose,
• You prefer a digital gift sent via email,
• You’re not very familiar with the tastes and preferences of the gift recipient.

How to Order on the Wonderbox Website?

To select the wonderbox you want to give as a gift, simply head to the homepage, then choose the category that interests you from the following options:

• Weekend getaways: Thalassotherapy retreats, romantic stays, unique accommodations, overnight stays in a castle...
• Sport and adventure: Skydiving, flying lessons, hot air ballooning, paragliding, bungee jumping...
• Food and drink: Restaurants, tastings, cooking classes, wine tasting...
• Wellness: Treatments, massages, thalassotherapy, weight loss, fitness...
• Leisure and outings: Theatre, concerts, movies, comedy...

Source: Wonderbox.co.za

Once you've chosen the section, all that's left is to select the gift box you wish to give, based on the services offered and the price.

Source: Wonderbox.co.za

You can then add the product to your cart, and click on "View my cart". Next, complete the order form with the required information:

• Choice of format: gift box or e-gift box,
• Message to accompany the gift,
• Optional: premium gift bag, choice of design...
• Delivery method: express, standard shipping, or parcel drop-off,
• Delivery address,
• Billing information.

✅ Once your order is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation email! If you don't see it, please check your spam folder and feel free to contact customer service at 09 70 25 40 90 (local call rates apply, Monday to Friday from 9am to 7pm and Saturday from 9am to 6pm).

How to make a booking with a Wonderbox?

To book your Wonderbox, you first need to choose your activity:

• By checking the list of providers in the booklet provided (physical box only),
• By visiting the Wonderbox website, and then navigating to the section "I have a Wonderbox" in the menu.

Source: Wonderbox.co.za

Then, once you've chosen your activity, get in touch with the provider and let them know that you'd like to pay with a Wonderbox. They will usually ask you for the number on your gift voucher in return.

Source: Wonderbox.fr

🌴 If it's a stay, you can contact the booking assistance service at Wonderbox by calling: 09 77 40 41 41, at the cost of a local call.

Finally, when you arrive, you'll be asked to present your gift voucher. If it was emailed to you, remember to print it out in advance! The service provider you've chosen will then register the unique code to get reimbursed by Wonderbox. All that's left for you to do is enjoy!

How long is the box valid for?

The Wonderbox gift sets are valid for 3 years and 3 months. If this period expires and you haven't had the chance to enjoy your activity, you can extend it. Please note, it is essential to do this before the expiry date.

To extend your Wonderbox, simply visit the brand's website. You can then navigate to the footer menu and select the page titled "Exchange and Extension". Then choose "I would like to exchange it" and follow the instructions.

Source: Wonderbox.co.za

How to Redeem a Wonderbox?

You've received a Wonderbox and would like to swap it for another box? That's entirely possible, and it will allow you to enjoy an activity that you really love.

To do this, simply visit the Wonderbox website, and as mentioned earlier, navigate to the "Exchange and Extension" section located at the bottom of the homepage in the footer. Then, instead of clicking on "I wish to extend it," you just need to select the left option ("I wish to exchange it") and follow the prompts.

👉 Whether you want to exchange or extend it, I recommend that you register your Wonderbox gift voucher as mentioned earlier, so you can take advantage of these benefits if needed.

Source: Wonderbox.co.za

What makes Wonderbox different from other gift box services?

Wonderbox has several competitors, such as Smartbox and DakotaBox. Here’s how these companies differ from one another:

• Wonderbox is a 100% South African company, while most competitors are based overseas,
• The customer service is located in Johannesburg and not outsourced abroad,
• Wonderbox gift boxes are valid for 3 years and 3 months, compared to just 3 years at most other major gift box retailers,
• Wonderbox is the only box to offer a custom gift box, which I described a few paragraphs earlier.
• The range of activities is slightly less extensive at Wonderbox compared to Smartbox, but there are still 140,000 options available... definitely enough to find something you'll love!

Source: Wonderbox.co.za

Who is Wonderbox for?

Wonderbox is a convenient solution:

🌍 For those wanting to give a gift to someone who lives far away,

❓ When you want to please someone whose tastes you don’t know very well,

🎉 To celebrate a special occasion (birthday, wedding, etc...),

👨‍💼 To give to an employee or a colleague,

🎁 When you prefer to give the gift of a memorable experience rather than a bulky item...

🌴 To give a trip to share (as a couple, with friends, or family...),

🤸‍♀️ To introduce an activity to a friend or loved one.

What are the prices for Wonderbox?

The prices of Wonderbox depend on the chosen gift box. They start from R200 with gift vouchers and can go up to R25,000. In the table below, you can find the prices of some of the brand's flagship gift boxes!

Are there any delivery charges with Wonderbox? 🚚

Most of the time, delivery of your Wonderbox is free. Of course, if it's an e-gift box, the email delivery is complimentary. For physical boxes, delivery via Colissimo to your home or a collection point within 48 to 72 hours is free of charge. This is a tracked delivery, and you will receive the details via email once your order has been placed!

If you want to receive the package by the following day, you can select the express delivery option at checkout. In this case, you will need to add R160 to your total basket amount.

Student? Here’s how to save money! 🤑

With the site Student Beans, you can enjoy a 8.5% discount on an e-gift card if you are a student. To do this, simply register on studentbeans.com, verify your student status, and then get your unique code to enter at checkout.

Source: Studentbeans.com

Find the perfect gift with the "Gift Idea" tool! 🎁

Struggling for inspiration? Wonderbox offers a gift idea generator that I find really handy.

By clicking on this link, you’ll find personalised suggestions tailored to the recipient of your gift! 😉

Gift ideas for women at Wonderbox

Source: Wonderbox.co.za

What Do Customers Think of Wonderbox?

The Wonderbox gift box is quite well-known among the general public, as it is sold in many stores. You can find a large number of reviews online from people who have tried it. To help you make an informed decision, I have prepared a brief summary of these testimonials.

On the Trustpilot platform

Wonderbox currently has almost 30,000 reviews on Trustpilot, and the number is growing rapidly! This is a great indicator of customer satisfaction, which seems to be quite positive, given that the average rating is 3.8/5.

Source: Trustpilot.com

Let’s take a look together at what justifies this rating:

💚 Customers Loved It

• The wide range of choices available,
• The simplicity of the concept for making a quick gift,
• The ability to easily switch between boxes,
• The fast delivery of the box,
• The price ranges that cater to all budgets.

Positive reviews from Wonderbox customers left on the Trustpilot platform

❌ They enjoyed it less

• The unavailability of certain venues during peak times (busy weekends),
• The requirement to make reservations by phone.

Customer review of their Wonderbox experience posted on Trustpilot

About Igraal

Wonderbox also has a substantial number of reviews on the Igraal site, with a total of 1552 to date, achieving a commendable average rating of 4.5/5.

Source: Igraal.com

Customers are generally very pleased with the selection offered and the delivery of the box. They are delighted to have quickly found a lovely gift for a loved one.

People who are a bit less satisfied also share their struggles with finding booking dates during busy periods, such as long weekends or school holidays.

Wonderbox on Social Media

You can find the latest offerings from Wonderbox and plenty of gift ideas on the social media channels of this company:

• Instagram,
• Facebook,
• Twitter.

👉 To find testimonials from people who have tried this gift box concept, feel free to follow #wonderbox!

Source: Instagram (@wonderbox.fr)

Is Wonderbox a Scam?

Unlike its main competitors, Wonderbox is a 100% French company. It is a simplified joint-stock company, founded in 2008 and based in the 15th arrondissement of Paris.

Source: société.com

This is a major player in the box and gift set industry: Wonderbox operates in 13 countries and the group generated over 240 million euros in revenue in 2021.

Like any major online retail company, Wonderbox has a dedicated customer service team that can be reached via telephone and email. The brand also pays attention to reviews left on the Trustpilot platform and takes the time to respond in case of any issues, inviting you to contact customer service directly.

✅ Wonderbox is a well-established French company that has been a significant player in the economic landscape for many years and has enjoyed considerable success: you can order with confidence, as it is not a scam or a company facing financial difficulties.

My verdict on Wonderbox ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A few months ago, I had the chance to buy a Wonderbox gift set to give to my partner for their birthday. This allowed me to choose the gift box myself, present it to them, and also have the opportunity to try it out together! Let me share this experience with you!

Was it easy to order a Wonderbox gift set?

I chose Wonderbox because it was a French brand that I was quite familiar with. The gift boxes available at the supermarket near me were quite generic, so I decided to go directly to the website for a wider selection. I didn't want to just give a "voucher for a weekend": I wanted something a bit more personalised.

Source: Wonderbox.co.za

I was looking for a wine and wine-tasting getaway, which my partner is really passionate about. I therefore searched the website in the relevant category and I was able to choose a "Wine-tasting Getaway" package that includes:

• One night with breakfast,
• A tasting and/or a visit to a winery or estate.

Source: Wonderbox.co.za

👫 This offer, like many other Wonderbox packages, was of course for two people.

When I placed my order, I was able to customise my gift box, add a little note, and choose the presentation: I really appreciated the chance to add a bit of originality to my gift.

How did the delivery of the Wonderbox go?

The delivery was very quick and I received the package at home in no time. I chose a physical box because I wanted to give it "in person" to my partner. I’m really pleased with it!

Our wine tasting

Was the recipient able to make a booking easily?

The booking system on the website seemed quite easy to use. However, it did take some time to explore all the options available.

Additionally, we initially wanted to leave on the Ascension weekend, but when we contacted the service providers, we found no availability. So, we ended up going this summer and had a wonderful stay.

The Château des Faures, in Puisseguin (33), where we spent our stay

👉 If I had one piece of advice to give, it would be to inform the service provider you are booking with about your Wonderbox. This will save you time trying to make a booking, only to be turned away at the payment stage. Many providers have specific availability for Wonderbox customers.

✅ In summary, we are very happy with the experience we had with Wonderbox, both in terms of the purchase and the shared stay. The options to personalise your gift from the website really make a difference! 😊

FAQ about Wonderbox: I’m answering YOUR questions!

To help you navigate through this, here’s a final section that addresses the main questions you might have about the Wonderbox. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, feel free to leave a comment! 😉

Can you combine two Wonderboxes?

It is theoretically possible to combine two wonderboxes to exchange them for one of greater value. Since this is a specific request, I recommend that you call the customer service at 09 77 40 41 41, available from Monday to Friday between 9am and 7pm, and on Saturday from 9am to 6pm.

Source: Instagram (@wonderbox.fr)

How to Check the Validity of a Wonderbox?

For this, the easiest way is to visit the Wonderbox website and register by clicking on "I have a Wonderbox". You will then be able to create a customer account, where you can check the validity of your Wonderbox.

👉 If you have already registered your Wonderbox on the website, simply log in to your client area!

How to activate a Wonderbox?

Your Wonderbox is active as soon as you purchase it, and it is valid for three years and three months. If you would like to book a service, I recommend checking the available options in the booklet or on your Wonderbox web space, then contact the service provider you're interested in to make a reservation.

Source: Instagram (@wonderbox.fr)

Can you get a refund for a Wonderbox?

No, it's not possible to get a refund on a Wonderbox. However, you can exchange it for another if you're not happy with it, or extend the validity if you can't use it within the given timeframe (3 years and three months after the purchase date).

How to contact Wonderbox by phone?

Wonderbox has a French customer service, reachable from Monday to Friday from 9am to 7pm and on Saturday from 9am to 6pm. The phone number is 09 77 40 41 41 and calls are not charged extra.

📧 You can also send a message by using the "contact us" section in the FAQ on the website. Click here to contact Wonderbox.

In summary, Wonderbox is truly a simple and effective solution for gifting, allowing you to bring joy while saving time! If you've tried it before, I’d love to hear your personal opinion in the comments! 😉